Signs of gentrification

March 21, 2015 7:00 AM

Google buses and other tech shuttles used to be the most high-profile symbol of gentrification in S.F. Today, tech shuttles are so commonplace you barely notice them, yet they're still one of the many reminders of our quickly changing city, and now they're accompanied by a luxury bus service for S.F. commuters. Let's check out other signs of gentrification in the Bay Area ... less

Google buses and other tech shuttles used to be the most high-profile symbol of gentrification in S.F. Today, tech shuttles are so commonplace you barely notice them, yet they're still one of the many reminders ... more

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

Google buses and other tech shuttles used to be the most... Photo-5966078.81113 - GreenwichTime

All it takes is one trendy farm-to-table restaurant, gastropub or mixology bar to open before others will follow suit. So long, authenticity. Hello, reclaimed wood interiors, superfood-loaded menus and obscure craft beers. less

All it takes is one trendy farm-to-table restaurant, gastropub or mixology bar to open before others will follow suit. So long, authenticity. Hello, reclaimed wood interiors, superfood-loaded menus and obscure ... more

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

All it takes is one trendy farm-to-table restaurant, gastropub or... Photo-5966079.81113 - GreenwichTime

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Now, in some areas, the gentrification has progressed to the point that restaurants that displaced restaurants are getting the boot. We're looking at you, Valencia Street. Pictured: Abott's Cellar, which closed. less

Now, in some areas, the gentrification has progressed to the point that restaurants that displaced restaurants are getting the boot. We're looking at you, Valencia Street. Pictured: Abott's Cellar, which ... more

Photo: The Chronicle

Now, in some areas, the gentrification has progressed to the point... Photo-7692632.81113 - GreenwichTime

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When the city's most progressive publication is shuttered unceremoniously only to be replaced by a weed magazine two months later.

When the city's most progressive publication is shuttered unceremoniously only to be replaced by a weed magazine two months later.

Photo: Leah Millis, The Chronicle

When the city's most progressive publication is shuttered... Photo-7692633.81113 - GreenwichTime

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Breakfast? Meh. Brunch is where it’s at for gentrifiers. We’re not sure, but there may be a direct correlation between the length of a brunch line and how gentrified an area is.

Breakfast? Meh. Brunch is where it’s at for gentrifiers. We’re not sure, but there may be a direct correlation between the length of a brunch line and how gentrified an area is.

Photo: Mathew Sumner, Special To The Chronicle

Breakfast? Meh. Brunch is where it’s at for gentrifiers. We’re... Photo-5966080.81113 - GreenwichTime

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Of course, rent increases and evictions are signs of gentrification, but who expected it to get to the point of aquadruple rent increase? Sigh.

Of course, rent increases and evictions are signs of gentrification, but who expected it to get to the point of aquadruple rent increase? Sigh.

Gentrifiers like their fitness, especially SoulCycle, Crossfit, yoga and Pilates. And there's no going back if there is a nearby organic juice bar. Pictured: The Living Apothecary opened a juice outpost at the Pilates ProWorks studio in Oakland. less

Gentrifiers like their fitness, especially SoulCycle, Crossfit, yoga and Pilates. And there's no going back if there is a nearby organic juice bar. Pictured: The Living Apothecary opened a juice outpost at the ... more

To become a gentrified neighborhood, it helps to have a promising skeleton, such as dilapidated Victorians and other historic buildings with great architecture. As gentrification picks up, don't be surprised to see new buildings made to look old and old buildings made to look new. less

To become a gentrified neighborhood, it helps to have a promising skeleton, such as dilapidated Victorians and other historic buildings with great architecture. As gentrification picks up, don't be surprised ... more

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

To become a gentrified neighborhood, it helps to have a promising... Photo-5966086.81113 - GreenwichTime

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Also, gentrification knows no borders and has been known to seep into an adjacent neighborhood.

Also, gentrification knows no borders and has been known to seep into an adjacent neighborhood.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Also, gentrification knows no borders and has been known to seep... Photo-5966087.81113 - GreenwichTime

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When there’s a general influx of young professionals.

When there’s a general influx of young professionals.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

When there’s a general influx of young professionals. Photo-5966088.81113 - GreenwichTime

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Gentrified neighborhoods get the cool urban landscaping features like parklets, faux-brick sidewalks and architectural metal in everything from bus stops to garbage bins.

Gentrified neighborhoods get the cool urban landscaping features like parklets, faux-brick sidewalks and architectural metal in everything from bus stops to garbage bins.

We'd like to argue that graffiti replaced by organized street murals is one of the more beautiful early signs of gentrification. Pictured: Victor Reyes working on his mural at 23rd and Mission streets on a Walgreens in San Francisco on April 16, 2010. less

We'd like to argue that graffiti replaced by organized street murals is one of the more beautiful early signs of gentrification. Pictured: Victor Reyes working on his mural at 23rd and Mission streets on a ... more

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

We'd like to argue that graffiti replaced by organized street... Photo-5966093.81113 - GreenwichTime

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An increased number of bakeries in a gentrified area might sell anything from organic cupcakes to gluten-free gourmet goods.

An increased number of bakeries in a gentrified area might sell anything from organic cupcakes to gluten-free gourmet goods.

Photo: Lacy Atkins, The Chronicle

An increased number of bakeries in a gentrified area might sell... Photo-5966094.81113 - GreenwichTime

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What kind of business changes can signal the arrival of the G-word? Well, there's a family-owned beauty shop (or barber) getting priced out of a strip mall.

What kind of business changes can signal the arrival of the G-word? Well, there's a family-owned beauty shop (or barber) getting priced out of a strip mall.

Photo: Mike Kepka, The Chronicle

What kind of business changes can signal the arrival of the G-word?... Photo-5966095.81113 - GreenwichTime

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Niche artisan shops that make custom goods such as bags, guitars or chocolate begin to replace pawn shops and dollar stores.

Niche artisan shops that make custom goods such as bags, guitars or chocolate begin to replace pawn shops and dollar stores.

And, of course, there's small pricey grocers selling mostly local food in limited quantities. Pictured: Shannon Thomas grabs an item from the dairy case while shopping at the Local Mission Market in S.F.

And, of course, there's small pricey grocers selling mostly local food in limited quantities. Pictured: Shannon Thomas grabs an item from the dairy case while shopping at the Local Mission Market in S.F.